If you're desperate to get on board the Vitamin C train to perfect skin town but have no idea where or how to buy a ticket, we're here to help. While this skincare secret is currently all the rage, there's more to know than your local influencer may present because, despite popular belief, it's not actually the solution for everyone. Here's what to know.
We're promised brightened skin and anti-aging benefits in exchange for committing to our Vitamin C serums, but it seems it may not be appropriate for all skin types. Dr. Harshna Bijlani, the founder of Ageless Clinic, explained that "while Vitamin C is a versatile ingredient and can work in several formulations, people with extremely sensitive skin or those who are just starting should do a patch test before using it to check for any allergic reaction."
If you're somewhat of a beauty product hoarder, with a range of Vitamin C products building up in your drawer, you should know that "if the colorless serum has turned yellow-brown, it may be time to throw it away." The Ageless Clinic founder explained that the vitamin will oxidize very quickly, limiting its shelf life. In fact, experts go as far as to suggest a three-month use limit on opened Vitamin C products in your collection. It is also essential to look at the Vitamin C concentration levels before purchasing an item. Experts recommend a 10-20% concentration in the form of L-ascorbic acid, depending on your skin type. If the concentration is too high, the skin can become incredibly irritated.
Although Vitamin C is often viewed as the 'holy grail' of the skincare world, pairing them with other products can help produce the best results! If you're looking to use Vitamin C for your dry, dull skin, Dr. Harshna recommends pairing it with hyaluronic acid to increase the product's hydration quality. For maximum brightening benefits, she suggest layering it with niacinamide. At the same time, specific pairings can cause more damage to your skin, so mix with caution. For example, using it with exfoliating skincare acids can leave your skin red and irritated. Does it seem Vitamin C is not for you? Don't worry! There are so many other vitamins to try.